Pezeshkian: "We want to live in peace with all nations and our neighbors."

Anchor: Mr. President Pezeshkian, thank you very much for speaking with me today. President Trump announced this afternoon (September 24, 2025) that he and his team have been in talks with Middle Eastern leaders and are close to an agreement that could lead to the release of hostages and an end to the war. Do you think the time has come for such an agreement? Would you support it?

President Pezeshkian: I wish success and victory for peace and security in the Middle East. I believe that if the talks and reports being discussed can lead to peace and help resolve the crisis of the Gaza blockade—where people are dying of hunger—it would be a very significant achievement.

Anchor: Mr. President, President Trump has presented a 21-point plan regarding the situation in the Middle East. Are you familiar with this plan or have you heard about it? Additionally, President Trump has stated that he will not allow Israel to take control of the West Bank. What is your reaction to this?

President Pezeshkian: The statement that Israel should not continue its current course is, in itself, a step forward. I believe this regime could not have taken these actions without the permission of the United States. The human tragedies occurring in the region today are deeply painful to any decent human being—children are dying of hunger, people are homeless, food is scarce, and hospitals have been destroyed. These actions could have been addressed much earlier, and it is still not too late. The U.S. could have forced Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the region and end the war.

Anchor: Regarding your speech yesterday at the United Nations; it was the first time you addressed the world after the 12-day attack, during which many of your defense and missile systems were destroyed, and strikes were made against Hamas and Hezbollah. In light of these events, what is your country’s position today?

President Pezeshkian: The events have strengthened our nation’s power and cohesion. Today, across international forums, our athletes, scientists, students, and schoolchildren show great respect for our flag and national anthem. A strong sense of unity has emerged within the country. Even those who previously criticized or were dissatisfied with our performance have now stood behind the Supreme Leader, defending Iran’s integrity and rights as one voice. This unity is a significant achievement, resulting from an attack by Israel that should never have happened.

Israel violated international laws, targeting not only our centers and scientists but also our people. In my UN speech, I showed images of families who lost their lives in these events. Such actions are unacceptable under any legal or international framework. One may have military disputes with a country, but innocent civilians should never be bombed. This occurs not only in Tehran but also in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Unfortunately, Israel disregards all international legal frameworks and is supported by some countries. The global hatred toward Israel today is unprecedented.

Anchor: President Trump said at the UN that his position is very simple: the world’s biggest supporter of terrorism should not have access to nuclear weapons. He also claimed Iran’s nuclear program is irreversible, and the U.S. will not tolerate it. Dr. Pezeshkian, how do you respond?

President Pezeshkian: This is very clear to us. Since assuming responsibility—and even before—the Supreme Leader has explicitly stated that the Islamic Republic has no place for nuclear weapons in its doctrine. We have consistently made this clear in all our negotiations, and we reaffirm it today. In discussions with various parties, we have transparently stated, including at the UN, that we are ready to allow inspections of any facilities that could be considered capable of producing nuclear weapons. We have no issue with this.

The other side, however, has created an unrealistic illusion globally. We are fully prepared to assure the world that we are not pursuing nuclear weapons and never will. Yet their actions against us have been contrary to all commitments and principles. There has never been a reason for Iran to pursue nuclear weapons, yet unjustified aggressions have occurred.

Anchor: One reason U.S. intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cite is that enrichment has reached 60 percent and some facilities are underground. These facts have led many to assume the goal is nuclear weapons rather than peaceful energy. What is your view?

President Pezeshkian: It is true that we may not have needed 60 percent enrichment, but we complied with the JCPOA at the time, and the IAEA fully monitored our facilities. Both underground and surface facilities were accessible for inspection at any time.

It was the U.S. that tore up the JCPOA. After its withdrawal, European companies collaborating with Iran left the country. None fulfilled their commitments. Naturally, our experts continued activities outside that framework. We have also stated that we can present everything we possess under the same frameworks in ongoing negotiations, provided our international rights under the NPT and IAEA oversight are respected. If these frameworks are followed, we have no problem.

The problem began when these frameworks were not respected, new sanctions were imposed daily, and a narrative was spread that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. I personally discussed solutions with the French President, which the French side accepted, but the U.S. refused. If this continues and new sanctions are imposed, the issue will naturally become more complicated.

Anchor: With all this, would your country agree to limit enrichment to single-digit percentages and keep all nuclear facilities above ground like most nuclear facilities worldwide?

President Pezeshkian: We have always operated within international frameworks, under IAEA supervision, and as NPT members. Why were our underground centers attacked? Even if there were any violations, does Israel have the right to intervene? They possess nuclear weapons without being NPT members and face no consequences. We are ready to provide everything needed under international law and act accordingly; there would be no problem.

Anchor: About 60–90 days before the attacks, President Trump and Israel tried to demand inspections “anytime, anywhere” of Iran’s facilities, fearing a breakout toward nuclear weapons. Because Iran did not comply, attacks began.

President Pezeshkian: This is not true. The IAEA routinely inspected our facilities and reported that Iran followed agreed frameworks. We communicated our readiness for transparency, but attacks began despite this.

Anchor: One justification given for attacks was that Israeli intelligence infiltrated Iran. Does this remain a security challenge?

President Pezeshkian: This shows that Israel is the aggressor. It has attacked Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and even Qatar. Meanwhile, Iran acts fully within international law. We seek peaceful coexistence with all nations and neighbors and do not pursue nuclear weapons, as it is a firm religious and ideological conviction. We have offered international agencies full access, but Israel attacked while talks continued.

Anchor: Looking ahead, the U.S. says it is talking to Iran, while the Supreme Leader asserts dialogue is unnecessary. Does this make diplomacy harder, especially when many countries want engagement?

President Pezeshkian: We have never avoided dialogue. The problem is mistrust created by broken promises and U.S. support for Israel. Dialogue continues, but the U.S. complicates matters, including attempts to enforce snapback sanctions.

Anchor: Is Iran committed to rebuilding what was destroyed? Some ask why, under economic pressure, Iran still invests heavily in nuclear activities instead of addressing domestic issues.

President Pezeshkian: U.S. interference has hindered Iran since the revolution, through wars, coups, and terrorism. Our peaceful nuclear activities are for medicine, agriculture, and industry, not weapons. Sanctions cause hidden deaths and suffering greater than war itself. We operate transparently under international law and have no intent for nuclear weapons.

Anchor: Would Iran consider participating in international economic openings, like those proposed by President Trump?

President Pezeshkian: We want global relations and peace. We do not seek unrest. If the U.S. is sincere about preventing nuclear weapons, we are ready for verification. There is no need for snapback sanctions if dialogue is genuine.

Anchor: Regarding regional dynamics, including the Abraham Accords and emerging talks among regional states, how do you view this?

President Pezeshkian: Regional problems are rooted in injustice. Until we treat people fairly, any solution will fail. Gaza children are starving, hospitals and schools destroyed, and journalists killed. Long-term effects will persist unless root causes are addressed.

Anchor: Can you foresee a future where Israel coexists peacefully with neighboring states?

President Pezeshkian: Any state committing genocide and violating international law will face consequences. Peace requires Israel to respect legal and humanitarian frameworks.

Anchor: What about Hezbollah, Hamas, and proxy groups?

President Pezeshkian: Their actions are reactions to injustice, not causes. Human responses to oppression are natural. Peace requires mutual respect, not coercion.

Anchor: What about Iran’s relationships with China and Russia, given limited support during the 12-day conflict?

President Pezeshkian: We rely on internal strength. National unity has grown, and foreign claims about democracy and human rights have been exposed as false.

Anchor: And regarding women’s rights in Iran?

President Pezeshkian: Women now enjoy greater freedoms. Our government includes women in senior positions, respecting rights within cultural and legal frameworks. Development means mutual respect, not imposing one culture on another.

Anchor: On mandatory hijab?

President Pezeshkian: I do not support coercion. Respect for culture is key, but no one is forced. Dialogue and understanding are essential.

Anchor: Thank you, Mr. President Pezeshkian, for your time.

President Pezeshkian: Thank you. Best wishes.